Description

This sprawling Renaissance epic, composed in elegant octaves, weaves together chivalry, romance, and the supernatural across a tapestry of interlocking adventures. Originally begun as a tribute to a noble patron, the poet spent more than a decade refining the work, drawing on earlier Italian romances and classical models. The result is a vivid, tongue‑in‑cheek chronicle that still dazzles for its inventive language and vivid imagination. Listeners will hear the lively, rhythmic cadence that made the poem a landmark of early modern literature.

The narrative follows the mighty knight Orlando, whose love‑madness drives him through battles against Saracen armies, enchanted forests, and magical duels. He is joined by a lively cast—including the steadfast Angelica, the cunning wizard Atlante, and the resourceful Bradamante—each pursuing tangled quests for honor and affection. Themes of bravery, desire, and the tension between fate and free will unfold amid fantastical creatures and shifting allegiances. This opening act launches a sprawling, wandering romance that invites listeners to lose themselves in a world where reality and myth intertwine.

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